Highlights from the ABC’s of Leadership Gala

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On Saturday, September 24, 2016, the Port Washington Library Foundation (PWLF) hosted its Thirteenth Inspiration Gala honoring the ABCs of library leadership. The honorees, Ed Adler, past president of the PWLF, Amy G. Bass, president of Friends of the Library (FOL), and Nancy Curtin, Director of the Port Washington Public Library, were feted in style. The 200 community supporters who turned out to celebrate the accomplishments of these three well-deserving honorees were treated to a sumptuous buffet from H on the Harbor. Entertainment was provided by world renowned harpist, Sylvia Kowalczuk. Ms. Kowalczuk has performed in venues around the world including the Vatican and the White House. .

Several local elected officials were on hand including Mayor Nora Haagenson of the Village of Baxter Estates, Mayor Jim Avena of the Village of Manorhaven, and Mayor Elaine Phillips of the Village of Flower Hill. In addition, State Senator Jack Martins, Councilwoman Dina DiGiorgio, Supervisor Judi Bosworth, and Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton presented certificates to the honorees.

Hal Spielman, who is spearheading the soon to be renovated Jackie and Hal Spielman Children’s Library, was the main speaker of the evening. He lauded the community spirit and leadership skills of Ed, Amy, and Nancy, and presented each with a beautifully engraved glass plaque. Ed spoke briefly about his devotion to the PWLF and the community at large. Not only does he serve on the Board of Directors for the foundation but he is also the Mayor of the Village of Sands Point. Nancy began her career 42 years ago as a children’s librarian in the Port Washington Public Library. Under her leadership, the library has achieved its five-star status and is about to commence a major redesign of the Children’s Library. Amy has served for many years as the president of the Friends of the Library and is devoted to providing support for program, classic books, and equipment for use by the library patrons and staff. A moment of silence was taken in memory of longtime supporter, Amy Hagedorn, who had recently passed away.

The gala chair, Edith Katz, serves on the board of the Foundation and did a magical job of creating an elegant evening transforming the library’s reading room into a beautiful venue. Mother Nature more than cooperated with a stunning sunset that was visible from the balcony where drinks were served.

London Jewelers was most generous with their donations of goody bags as well as a specially designed necklace. The gold crown charm on the necklace represents the Port Washington Public Library’s position as the “jewel in the crown” of our community. These necklaces are available in three different finishes and are on sale at London Jewelers. A portion of the sale is given back to the foundation as a donation. In addition, many vendors in Port Washington contributed raffle prizes including Port Jewelers, Glenn Bradford, Painting with Flowers, and Purple. Blue Moon generously donated five gift baskets for the raffles as well as giveaways of additional gift certificates for every attendee. For a complete list of vendors who contributed to our success, please go to pwpl.org/foundation.

The Foundation wishes to thank all the guests who attended the event as well as the vendors who donated to the raffles and the ejournal. In the spirit of going green, the foundation used a virtual journal which showed all the tributes throughout the evening, which can still be seen at inspirationgala.com.

The Port Washington Library Foundation is instrumental in providing funds to the library for programs and capital projects that are not covered by the library’s annual budget. The funds are raised privately through the gala, annual fund letter, and direct donations made by the community. This year the foundation will be participating in Champions for Charity so please look for more information on our website.